Moving for Mental Health Awareness Week

Experts from across City, University of London joined staff and students for a fascinating event during Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) that highlighted the power of movement and how the term ‘mental health’ often fails to capture the impact on our bodies as well as our minds.

MHAW is a worldwide initiative, and the week provided an ideal time to think about mental health, tackle stigma, and find out how we can create a society that prevents mental health problems from developing and protects our mental well-being. Hosted by the School of Health & Psychological Sciences (SHPS), the event adopted this year’s theme of ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’, and several of the speakers’ talks touched on the topic.

Embodied mental health

Following an introduction from Michelle Ellis, Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in SHPS, Dr Grace Lucas, who is the Associate Dean for Education Quality and Student Experience and a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health and Society in SHPS, discussed the interconnectedness of mental and physical health.

Discussing her research, books and personal experiences – as well as the cultural and social ideals that influence our bodies and mental health – Dr Lucas talked passionately about how “we live in a mind over matter society”. This also extends to many depictions of mental health in the media and online, with many focusing on the head. She went on to speak powerfully about how the emphasis on the head is an incomplete one partly due to the impact on our bodies, including the potential for embodied mental health to provide a more holistic approach to mental wellbeing.

Moving for our mental health

Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock, Reader in Organisational Psychology in SHPS, then got attendees up on their feet and moving around the room. As an academic who teaches and researches workplace mindfulness and leadership, Dr Tobias Mortlock spoke about the interconnectedness of mind and body. Participants were also encouraged to discuss the benefits of exploring this interconnectedness and focusing on breath and body awareness to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Highlighting this point, she said: “Your mind is where your attention is. And your mind and your body are really connected.”

Dr Tobias Mortlock also mentioned a study which found that regular, prolonged sitting for four hours or more each work day in people aged 45+ years old can increase the risk of death by 40%, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and healthy habits for older adults.

Student support

From the Student Health and Wellbeing Team, Elliot Stevenson, a Mental Health Advisor, and Rafiya Hanid, the manager of the counselling service, then gave a brief overview of the services offered by the team, highlighting how students can access relevant services. This includes four main elements, namely the Student Disability and Neurodiversity Service, the Student Mental Health Service, the Student Counselling Service, and the Student Health and Wellbeing Engagement Service, with the different strands catering for students’ individual needs and the support they require.

Sport and mental health

James Reaper, a qualified personal trainer and fitness manager at City Sport with a background working in mental health, was up next and he spoke about his experiences of playing rugby at a high level and the links between sport and mental health. Besides the variety of facilities and classes offered by City Sport, he also discussed its refreshed vision under its new Head of Sport, including the new wellbeing programme.

James also touched on how he developed his interest in health and fitness, and his passion for using fitness on a wider spectrum to help improve someone's overall health and wellbeing.

Take a hike

Lastly, Rachel Jowitt, an Engagement and Welfare Officer in the Student Engagement Team, talked about the importance of getting away from work at lunch and having a break from the office. In particular, she discussed her time working in challenging primary education environments and how escaping from work at lunchtime to go for a short walk in the park or local green spaces became a powerful coping strategy. As part of MHAW, Rachel also shared some local walks for City staff to try if they need to take a break from their desk or just refresh their minds.